the
classic first published
in 1856, still the single most important source
on the beginnings of the French Revoltion

Before
the revolution the French people were divided into 3 groups:
the 1st estate consisted of the clergy, the second estate
of the nobility and the third estate of the bourgeoisie, urban
workers, and peasants. Legally the first two estates enjoyed
many privileges, particularly exemption from most taxation.

The
first estate, the clergy, consisted of rich and poor.
There were very wealthy abbots, members of the aristocracy
who lived in luxury off of wealthy church lands, and
poor parish priests, who lived much like the peasants.

The
second estate, the nobility, inherited their titles and their
wealth came from the land. Some members of the nobility had
little money, but had all the privileges of noble rank. However,
most enjoyed both privileges and wealth.

The
third estate, the common people, was by far the largest group
of people in France. Everyone who was not a member of the
first or second estates was a member of the third. It included
the wealthy merchants whose wealth rivaled that of the nobility,
the doctors and lawyers, the shopkeepers, the urban poor,
and the peasants who worked the land. Obviously, a very diverse
group.